From the initial breath of life to the joys and difficulties of motherhood, the monarchy of maternity, newborn, and women’s health nursing incorporates obligatory compassionate care, scientific expertise, and an extreme comprehension of the life-changing journey women encounter throughout their reproductive lifespan. Maternity, newborn, and women’s health nursing is a unique nursing field focusing on women’s care throughout their reproduction time. This nursing field demands a thorough comprehension of the specific physical, emotional, and social requirements for women and infants. Nurses working in the area must provide compassionate care to women during labor and delivery, handle any complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and the nurse should provide education and support to new mothers (Perry et al., 2022). Nurses in this area play a significant role in promoting women’s health by averting illness through education and preventive care; this essay will explore a case study of a 17-year-old pregnant girl with her first child. From the case study, the essay will explain the risks a prolonged pregnancy places on Carol, the risks there for Carol’s unborn baby, and finally, look at nursing care needed for women in labor with prolonged pregnancy.
A prolonged pregnancy, or post-term pregnancy, can constitute numerous risks to the mother, Carol, and the baby. As the pregnancy continues beyond the estimated due date, the placenta may age and deteriorate, minimizing its ability to offer sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the baby. This can lead to fetal distress or intrauterine development restriction, where the baby’s development is restricted. Additionally, a prolonged pregnancy raises the risk of complications during labor and delivery (Stephansson et al., 2018). The amniotic fluid levels may lessen, resulting in oligohydramnios, increasing the risk of umbilical cord compression and compromising the baby’s oxygen supply. Carol’s risk of getting complications during labor, like fetal distress, meconium aspiration when the child breaths in meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and birth trauma may also increase. Moreover, Carol may encounter physical discomfort and emotional stress because of the prolonged pregnancy (Irani et al., 2019). She may have challenges sleeping, maximized fatigue, and discomfort linked with the baby’s size and position. There is also a possibility for increased anxiety and emotional strain as she waits for labor to start logically. Taking into account these risks, Carol needs to maintain effective communication with her healthcare provider and accurately observe her and her baby’s well-being during the prolonged pregnancy. Routine prenatal check-ups, non-stress tests, and ultrasounds can assist in evaluating the baby’s health, ensuring timely intervention if any compilations increase. The choice to induce labor must be accurately assessed, weighing the possible risks of progressing the pregnancy against the risk of intervention.
There are possible risks for Carol’s unborn baby, given her current circumstance. Carol has passed her due date, which puts her baby at risk for numerous complications. Prolonged pregnancy raises the chances of placental inadequacy, where the placenta may not be able to sufficiently provide oxygen and nutrients to the unborn baby (Wardinger & Ambati, 2020). This can result in fetal distress, lessened development, and potential complications during labor. In addition, a crucial lower backache and the passage of a glob of bloody mucus termed the bloody show, can be signs of impending labor. Furthermore, in the case of Carol, it could also highlight a possible issue. The backache might indicate issues with the baby’s position or the onset of labor without sufficient cervical dilation, which could raise the risk of prolonged or complicated labor. The passage of bloody mucus could also suggest an issue with the placenta, like placenta abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterine wall prematurely, possibly depriving the baby of oxygen and nutrients. However, Carol’s refusal to have her labor persuade indicates its own set of risks. If the baby remains in the womb for an enlarged period beyond the due date, the risk of meconium aspiration rises. Meconium is the baby’s initial stool, and if the baby proceeds it while still in the womb and then breathes in, it can lead to respiratory issues and meconium aspiration syndrome.
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